Gulfood 2026 will be busy. Very busy.
Hundreds of frozen food suppliers. Thousands of buyers.
And one big question in your mind.
Who can actually deliver what they promise?
If you are planning to source frozen potato products at Gulfood, such as frozen French fries, frozen hash browns, and wedges, excitement is natural. But this is also where many buyers make costly mistakes. Mistakes that only show up months later. When shipments arrive. When fries behave differently in oil. Or when customers complain.
Let’s slow it down.
Let’s talk about what really matters.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make at Trade Shows
Trade shows create pressure. Quick meetings. Fast decisions. Attractive samples.
And that’s where problems begin.
Here are some common mistakes buyers make when sourcing frozen French fries at global expos:
- Choosing based on taste alone
- Ignoring performance after freezing
- Not checking oil absorption levels
- Overlooking yield consistency
- Assuming certifications without verification
A sample tasted at a booth is only part of the story. Fries need to perform in real kitchens. In QSRs. In hotels. In cloud kitchens. Day after day.
Cut Matters More Than You Think
Many buyers think cut size is just visual. It’s not.
The cut directly affects:
- Frying time
- Crispiness
- Oil absorption
- Plate cost
Straight cut. Shoestring. Crinkle. Skin-on.
Each serves a different purpose.
For example, shoestring fries cook faster but absorb more oil if not processed correctly. Thicker cuts give better bite but need uniform blanching to avoid soggy centers.
When talking to suppliers at Gulfood, ask clearly:
- Exact cut dimensions
- Length consistency
- Tolerance range
Small variations here lead to big problems later.
Oil Absorption: The Silent Profit Killer
This is where many buyers regret their decisions.
High oil absorption means:
- Greasier fries
- Higher oil consumption
- Inconsistent taste
- Higher operating costs
At scale, this hurts margins badly.
Good frozen French fries should:
- Hold shape during frying
- Absorb minimal oil
- Stay crisp longer
Yield Is Not a Buzzword. It’s Your Reality.
Yield defines how much usable product you actually get.
Poor yield means:
- Excess breakage
- Short pieces
- More waste
- Unhappy kitchen teams
Ask questions like:
- What is the average breakage percentage?
- How consistent is batch-to-batch yield?
- How does the product behave after long cold storage?
Certifications & Traceability: Non-Negotiable in 2026
Global buyers are under pressure. From regulators. From customers. From auditors.
That makes certifications critical.
Look for suppliers who offer:
- International food safety certifications
- Clear batch traceability
- Transparent sourcing
- Export-ready documentation
If a supplier hesitates here, consider it a red flag.
Why Pepizo Foods Ticks All the Right Boxes
Now comes the important part.
Why Pepizo Foods stands out to buyers sourcing frozen potato products.
Pepizo focuses on export-ready frozen potato products built for real kitchen hustle. Not just trade show samples.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Consistent cut specifications
- Controlled oil absorption
- Own potato farms and high-quality potatoes
- High yield performance
- Strong batch traceability
- International certifications like FDA and ISO
- Export-focused manufacturing
Final Thoughts
If you want a partner who understands export challenges and frozen potato performance, it’s worth exploring Pepizo Foods and our product catalogue.
Meet us at Gulfood 2026 from 26–30 January 2026 at the Dubai Exhibition Center, Expo City, Dubai.
Visit us at North Hall-01, Stand N1-K4 to explore sourcing opportunities, discuss requirements, and connect face-to-face with our team.
Planning your visit helps make the most of your time. Fill the form to schedule a meeting, and let’s have a focused conversation tailored to your business needs.
